Boots launches scheme now, McCabes to follow in January as pharmacists gain new prescribing powers
Pharmacies across Ireland are beginning to roll out a new scheme allowing the public to obtain medicines for eight common conditions without a GP prescription, marking a significant shift in how primary healthcare is delivered.
An agreement between the government and the Irish Pharmacy Union will see Boots Ireland launching the service immediately, with the McCabes Pharmacy network set to begin on January 19.
The eight conditions covered are cold sores, shingles, two types of thrush, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and impetigo.
The Irish Pharmacy Union welcomed the rollout, noting that “a significant majority of pharmacies nationwide” have signed up to offer the new and expanded service. After assessment by a pharmacist, some prescription-only medicines can now be dispensed, along with self-care advice or over-the-counter medicines. Patients can also be referred to a doctor if necessary.
A training program for pharmacists is in place, along with legal changes enabling the expanded scope of practice.
Boots Ireland announced on Monday it is now offering the service, with consultations costing €35. Caoimhe McAuley, director of pharmacy and superintendent pharmacist at Boots, said staff were proud to be at the forefront of the change.
“We are improving access to primary care for everyone and significantly reducing pressure on GP services,” she said.
Appointments can be booked on the Boots website, or patients can walk into any Boots pharmacy for a consultation. The fee is not covered for patients, though anyone already eligible for funded medication for their condition continues to have this support in place.
McCabes Pharmacy will launch the service across its 110 pharmacies nationwide starting January 19, including evening and weekend availability. Managing director Jan Pieter Hallema said pharmacists are currently completing required training to ensure readiness for the launch. Appointments can be booked online or arranged in person.
The scheme represents a significant expansion of pharmacy services in Ireland, aimed at reducing pressure on overstretched GP practices while providing faster access to treatment for common ailments. Healthcare advocates have long argued that pharmacists’ clinical expertise has been underutilized, with many conditions treatable without requiring a doctor’s appointment.
The initiative comes as Ireland’s healthcare system faces mounting pressure, with many patients struggling to access GP appointments promptly. By enabling pharmacists to assess and treat these eight conditions, the government hopes to free up GP capacity for more complex cases while maintaining patient safety through proper training and oversight.
Critics have noted the €35 consultation fee may create a barrier for some patients, particularly those on lower incomes, though the scheme does preserve existing medication funding arrangements for eligible patients.